In The Word
Read: Acts 8:5-25
5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them.6 The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing. 7 For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 So there was much rejoicing in that city.
9 Now there was a man named Simon, who formerly was practicing magic in the city and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great; 10 and they all, from smallest to greatest, were giving attention to him, saying, “This man is what is called the Great Power of God.” 11 And they were giving him attention because he had for a long time astonished them with his magic arts. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike. 13 Even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed.
14 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.” 24 But Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”
An Ethiopian Receives Christ
25 So, when they had solemnly testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, and were preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
The death of Stephen didn’t snuff out the gospel of Jesus Christ, but scattered it throughout the region. We see today the account of Phillip who took it to Samaria. This city and group of people were the Samaritans. Their lineage was combination of both Jews and Gentiles, so the devout Jewish people, as a whole, didn’t recognize Samarians as God’s chosen people. However, God desired salvation for them as well, so He sent Phillip there.
There was a man called Simon in Samaria that astonished the people by his appearance of signs, wonders, and magic arts. When Phillip came, he displayed the power of the Lord by casting out demons, healing the lame, preaching the gospel, and baptizing people in the name of Christ. The apostles heard the great work in Samaria and sent Peter and John to lay hands on the people to receive the Holy Spirit. Simon was one who believed, was baptized, and offered money to buy the gift to be able to lay hands on people to receive the Holy Spirit. He was quickly rebuked for this by Peter for his wicked heart.
The power of God can operate through our lives today, but our heart must have pure motives. God wants to give all of us certain gifts with the authority to use them, but we must have the right heart or God may hold them back so we don’t hurt ourselves or others. The book of James tells us that we need only to ask to receive, but we must do so with unselfish motives. God wants to give you gifts; make sure your motives are right and your heart is pure, and you will receive all that He wants to give you.